National Sheep Health Monitoring Project Sheds Light on Top Conditions Affecting the Industry

Animal Health Australia’s National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP) is an important initiative that focuses on identifying and addressing 19 different sheep health conditions that lead to losses during processing. These losses occur in the form of carcass trimming or full carcass condemnations. The data collected by the project is readily available to producers through ISC’s Livestock Data Link.

The 2021-22 NSHMP Annual Report analyses the data collected throughout the year, providing valuable insights into the top conditions that occur each year and their spatial distribution across different production regions in Australia. Among these profit killers are liver fluke and bladder worm, conditions that may go unnoticed on farms but can be costly at the abattoir.

After a wet summer, there is an increased risk of liver fluke pick-up and subsequent summer infections. This may lead to a peak output of infective cysts during late summer and early autumn, necessitating treatment in April and May. This treatment should target immature flukes to be effective.

Data from the project shows that bladder worm (Cysticercus tenuicollis) appears in relatively high quantities during autumn months. This occurs as part of a tapeworm life cycle where the dog is the definitive host, and sheep (or cattle, pigs, and goats) can pick up eggs left behind in dog faeces. The larvae then form large cysts on the liver and within the abdominal cavity of the sheep, leading to liver condemnation and carcass trimming where cysts have formed.

By monitoring these conditions and providing essential data to producers, the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project aims to improve on-farm practices, reduce losses during processing, and ensure a more sustainable and profitable sheep industry in Australia. Producers are encouraged to access the NSHMP Annual Report and utilise the valuable insights it offers to make informed decisions regarding their flock’s health and wellbeing.